Deputy Secretary Verma Strengthens U.S.-Nepal Relations in Kathmandu Meetings

KATHMANDU, Nepal — On August 16, 2024, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma held high-level meetings with senior Nepali officials to discuss shared priorities in economic development, women’s empowerment, energy, and enhancing people-to-people ties.

During his visit, Deputy Secretary Verma met with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. Verma reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to bolstering Nepal’s disaster response and air capabilities. A key highlight of the discussions was the U.S. pledge to provide $100 million in Foreign Military Finance, pending Congressional review, to enhance Nepal’s rotary wing capabilities.

The meetings also focused on advancing sustainable economic development, particularly through the Millennium Challenge Compact, aimed at increasing access to clean energy. Additionally, the U.S. will continue supporting Nepal’s trade initiatives, such as the USAID-funded Nepal Tea Collective promotion activity.

In a separate engagement, Deputy Secretary Verma met with women entrepreneurs to discuss their contributions to Nepal’s economy and explore avenues for further U.S. support in promoting women’s economic empowerment.

The meetings underscored the growing U.S.-Nepal partnership and commitment to fostering development, security, and economic opportunities in the region.